Motorists are urged to remember the law regarding the use of mobile phones while driving, after new rules were introduced earlier this year. Under almost all circumstances, drivers should not use their phones at all while behind the wheel.
Previous rules stipulated that it was illegal to call or text while driving. But on March 25 new legislation came into force that means people can be fined £200 for simply touching their mobile device, the Liverpool Echo reports.
For anyone supervising a driver who is learning, the penalty is even higher, with a potential fine of £1,000 as well as six points on their licence. Six months on from the introduction of stricter rules, many are still confused about what is and isn't allowed.
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Experts at LeaseCar.uk are urging people to be aware of the new laws. They have given some guidance on what is and isn't allowed.
They say that hands-free access (such as through voice-command systems) is permitted under the new rules, as long as drivers aren't holding the device. It is also okay to have a smartphone displaying a map, as long as it is in a cradle and the motorist is not touching it.
However, drivers are allowed to touch a fixed car infotainment system. But a fine and points could be issued if a cradle holding the phone is deemed to be in a position that obstructs the driver's view.
Even if a car is in stationary traffic, drivers must not so much as unlock their phone when behind the wheel. There are only two circumstances in which motorists are exempt from this rule.
The first is if you are contacting the emergency services. Government legislation says that if you are acting in response to a genuine emergency by calling the police, fire service or ambulance service on 112 or 999, and it is unsafe or impracticable for you to stop driving while you make the call, you will not be punished.
The other exception is for drivers using their phone to pay at a drive-thru. However this is only allowed if you are making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving.
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